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The Pros and Cons of Energy Efficient Windows

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The Pros and Cons of Energy Efficient Windows

Energy efficient windows can be a great way to save money on utility costs each and every month. That sounds like a great deal, but everything comes at a price, so what exactly are the pros and cons of energy efficient windows? Windows have changed a great deal over the past decade. Today’s energy windows are sprayed with a translucent metallic coating that reflects more than half of the sun’s harmful UV rays back outdoors while still allowing almost all of the sun’s natural light to shine through. A room supplied with UV-protected windows is no longer a gloomy or dark place.

Related Articles: 6 Ways to Improve Your Household Energy Efficiency and 5 Home Trends to Watch for in 2016.

Here are some of the pros of energy efficient windows:

  • They Save Money: Even a clear glass, double-paned vinyl or wood-framed window can reduce energy usage by up to 24 percent in cold climates during the winter, and by up to 18 percent in hot climates during the summer when compared to older, single-pane models.
  • Quality Saves Even More: You can expect energy savings of anywhere from 30 to 50 percent, depending on whether you choose average energy-efficient windows or top of the line models.
  • They Help the Environment: Reduced energy use doesn’t just mean you save money, it also means you’re burning less fossil fuel and creating fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
  • They Insulate Your Home from Noise: Double-paned windows significantly reduce outdoor noise pollution. Double-paned windows can be a valuable investment in the peace and quiet department, especially in busy urban areas.

And, here are some of the cons of energy efficient windows:

  • You Will Have to Replace Them All: Replacing individual windows rather than upgrading entire homes or floors will not yield intended energy savings. Old windows will still leak air even if you install one double-paned one. Desired energy savings will likely result in purchasing many windows at a time.
  • You Pay for Quality: From failed seals to improperly spaced glass, poorly manufactured windows, or windows that fail, can negate energy savings and even lead to other problems, such as condensation developing between the panes. Quality is key, and it usually comes at a higher price